Software Engineer Degree Apprentice Review

I am a software engineer apprentice at work on Wednesdays to Fridays. This means that I am part of a software team and I am constantly working on tickets and creating and adjusting code. The day kicks off with a stand-up where we have a look at existing tickets and the progress of them so everyone in the team is aware of what is happening and the plan for the day. I will then go back to my desk and start working on my assigned ticket. At the time of writing this, I am currently working on creating a system dashboard for the team project. Throughout the day, I might have to also attend meetings or training sessions. A lot of the day is spent at my desk and alone though and at times it can become boring. However, when there are things to be doing, the experience is great. On Mondays and Tuesdays, I am just a student at University attending lectures and lab sessions and doing the typical student stuff. It's great that I am still able to be a student whilst also working properly at such a global organisation.

Yes! I previously only learnt Visual Basic, C, C++ and Java and the team I was assigned to uses mostly JavaScript so I had to learn (and still am learning) a completely new language! This language came with a different understanding of programming and I'm constantly learning the theory behind it, such as the use of promises. I'm also doing a lot of internal training through the BBC. I'm actually attending a training session in few days on unconscious bias. My course also means that I am attending University two days a week and of course I'm learning new things there all the time too.

The programme is mildly enjoyable. The important part of doing the programme is that I know it is hugely beneficial to my career and adding to my CV and experience rather than doing it for the fun of it. I do enjoy spending time with the other apprentices at University or at training sessions though, but the times where I am by myself are usually quite lonely and not too enjoyable except the odd occasion here and there.

Very. They clearly show they care about the apprentices and everyone in general. For example, I had a little problem with my team and my line manager worked on fixing it and had personal phone calls with me every week for a month to ensure everything was running smoothly. My team also ensure I feel like I'm actually part of the team and invite me to meetings and give me work to do that is important. They really do care about my career and ensure that I'm learning and enjoying life.

The programme was clearly planned rather well, but that plan wasn't executed too well in my individual case. I had problems with who was actually meant to be looking after me at work for example and that caused some problems at University when they were meant to attend a presentation I did. However, those problems have been fixed and everything is now running rather smoothly. There doesn't seem to be too much of an actual structure though. It's more that I have two days at University and three at work, and I'll go with the flow on those days rather than following an actual plan for that day.

The University provides a wide range of support from quick personal chats to answering questions on forums and scheduling group meetings and chats. I have a personal tutor who ensures everything is going fine and I can always go to if I need anything and all of the lecturers are kind and available to offer help too.

Initially, I received hardly any support and I was sent to work on tickets by myself when I had no idea on how to really do them. That slowly changed though and I am now getting more support from a mentor figure in my team who checks up on what I'm doing and offers to help with anything I need. I'm still left alone quite a decent amount of time though where I do wish I could constantly be working with someone. That can't really happen though with my team culture being rather individual and us not doing pair programming for example.

I'm in a rather unique case where I'm living by myself in a shared apartment but I'm not paying for rent. This means that all of my money then goes towards food and travelling. I also have a girlfriend and do a lot of things with her and a lot of money goes towards that. I also occasionally spend on myself. Despite all that, I still usually have money leftover and I'm saving that up. The amount I'm getting is definitely enough to live a happy life and I'm also able to attend University without having to worry about paying for that and going in debt. The wage amount was also recently overhauled and in the upcoming months and years I will be getting even more than I am now so the salary amount is definitely great.

Plenty! I've been involved in many opportunities outside of work. My team and the BBC in general are very kind in allowing time and days off to take part in events. I've took part in a 24 hour diversity hackathon for example which was great fun. I've also just recently created a video with another apprentices and took pictures for National Apprenticeship Week. These opportunities are all through work though. I personally don't do much outside of work as I have a limited amount of time and I like to relax in my free time, so I'm usually spending time with my girlfriend, watching movies, playing games and watching football instead of taking part in other events and opportunities. There is time to do so, but the amount of free time someone would have left would be hit rather hard.

Yes

It's a global and massive organisation that clearly cares about you as an individual despite there being thousands and thousands of employees. There is a huge amount of available training and countless opportunities to learn and add to your CV. There is also huge flexibility in moving around teams and job roles and being involved with incredibly important projects. The culture of the company is great and relaxed and the people here are kind and helpful.

Just be honest. Be yourself and always be truthful and make sure to show what makes you a unique person. Show your qualities and interests. Show that you are excited about joining the BBC and the reasons you want to join are genuine. When I was applying, it was my first time going through such a process and I was just myself and always truthful and it seemed to work ha!